A design team has been selected for the development of what will be the largest park in Lakeland.

The Bonnet Springs Park is the vision of a group of philanthropists, including the daughter of Publix's founder, Carol Jenkins Barnett and her family.

The group, which goes by Windsong Park Inc. selected the design firm Sasaki to craft the vision for the 180-acre multimillion dollar park. The firm has designed major projects across the country including the Chicago Riverwalk.

Beginning Wednesday, it began to solicit public feedback during open houses and focus groups. One of the open houses was being Wednesday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Magnolia Building in Lakeland, next to Hollis Gardens.

Audrey Oliver was one of the many people interested in what the park will look like.

"The things that they have proposed as far as the amphitheater and the walks, the pathways, I think that's a very good idea," said Oliver, who lives in the Crescent Hills neighborhood adjacent to the property.

The list of options for the park is a long one, including everything from restaurants and shops, to paddle boating, dog parks, athletic fields and events spaces for rent.

Former Lakeland Parks and Recreation Director Bill Tinsley is one of the people overseeing the project.

"We're going in with a blank slate with the intent to find out what the community will, number one, desire or need, and number two, support."

Work has already begun to clear some of the property. According to Tinsley, the goal is to have construction start in 2018 and the park to open in 2020.

The public is invited to submit online surveys, addressing what they’d like to see in the park, up until mid-September.